Skating Toward A Successful Park

Stafford

Our Towns

November 24, 1998

The Stafford Board of Selectmen's decision to start planning for a skateboard park is good news for residents of all ages. Young people need more activities, especially in the downtown area. And adults need a chance to observe Stafford's youth in a different setting than the usual scene of groups hanging around on the streets.

After discovering that insurance premiums for a skateboard park would be about 5 percent of what was anticipated, the selectmen decided to begin designing the park at the same time they will be researching possible sites. Such single-minded determination should help the project move quickly. Town officials hope to get the youngsters skating by spring.

With several sites under consideration, a location in the Stafford Springs business district should be a priority. The conflicts between business owners and young people who like to hang out downtown have created bad feelings and a misplaced sense of danger among adults. A downtown park, with proper supervision and strict rules, should offer a different perspective on how young people conduct themselves. It's the perfect opportunity to mend fences and attitudes.

A downtown park also is sure to draw parents accompanying their children, who might just want to check out a few stores while the youngsters are skating.

A skateboard park with rules governing equipment and safety practices is a better way for young people to enjoy this sport. It would offer an afterschool alternative to using the streets. Stafford can learn much from other towns, such as Somers, that already have opened successful parks.

Involving young people in the planning also is key. They know what they like. And several offered to hold fund-raisers last year. This is one project the whole community should get behind.